Sun & Skin Safety is really important! I am sure most of us apply sunscreen before heading out in the sun, but do you ever wonder if there is something else you should be doing? I know I do! That’s why we need a Local Skincare expert to give us advice!
Heather Funk is a Local Skincare expert and she is also the Co-Founder of H&H Science! Today she is here to equip us to be able to care for our skin properly this Summer!
Sun & Skin Safety Q&A with Skincare Expert, Heather Funk
SPF, Ingredients, and Sensitive Skin
Question: Is an SPF moisturizer sufficient to wear on your face or should you apply sunscreen as well?
Answer: Moisturizers containing SPF should be at least an SPF 50+ or higher and provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection otherwise you will need to wear another SPF 50+ over your moisturizer- also keep in mind that you can’t add SPF’s together. For example- if your moisturizer has an SPF 20 and your sunscreen has an SPF 30, you are only getting SPF 30 protection- not SPF 50!
Question: What sunscreens do you recommend for people with sensitive skin? Especially for their face if they are prone to break-outs?
Answer: Anyone who has sensitive skin needs to use a physical sunblock and should avoid chemical sunscreens. Physical sunblocks contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide and provide complete broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection as they provide a physical block between your skin and UV rays. In order to avoid breakouts, make sure you check the label of your sunblock to ensure that is non-comedogenic, oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. All of our physical sunblocks at HH Science contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and are free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, and oil.
Question: What ingredients should we be looking to avoid in sunscreens?
Answer: Sunscreens containing chemicals, parabens, dyes, fragrance, oil, and other synthetic ingredients should be avoided as they irritate the skin, clog pores, and can damage our ocean reefs.
Question: What SPF is sufficient and how often should we be re-applying?
Answer: Dr. Helen Torok and her team of skin experts always recommend an SPF 50+ or higher that contains a physical sunblock. A high-number SPF does not allow you to spend additional time outdoors without reapplication. Sunscreens should be reapplied approximately every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating, according to the directions on the bottle.
Sun & Skin Safety: Other Ways to Stay Safe in the Sun & Sun Burn Treatment
Question: Other than wearing sunscreen, what tips do you have to keep our skin safe in the sun?
Answer: There are numerous ways you can keep your skin safe in the sun.
- Wearing protective clothing, large brimmed hats, and sunglasses are one easy way to keep your skin safe.
- There are also internal supplements that you can take to protect your skin from the inside out while outside. Our HH Science Daily Defense Vitamins contain 2 natural ingredients that reduce your chance of skin cancer from sun exposure. Take two in the morning with breakfast to protect your skin all day!
- Medical-grade skincare products containing high doses of Vitamin C and Green Tea also provide natural, organic UV protection when outside. I recommend our Green Tea Cream and C-Bright Serum to all of our patients for natural UV protection as well as for all of the potent anti-aging benefits.
Question: If we do get a sunburn, what is the best way to care for it?
Answer: There’s no miracle cure to heal a sunburn, but you can optimize your body’s healing process by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and applying aloe vera or hydrocortisone mixed with Vaseline to help with itching and dryness. If you have a severe sunburn that’s blistering or causing you to feel sick, it’s a good idea to visit a doctor to see if you need additional medical treatment.
Sun & Skin Safety: Lotions/Creams vs. Sprays and How to Keep Kids Safe in the Sun
Question: Do the spray-on sunscreens work as well as the lotion/cream sunscreens?
Answer: While spray takes less time to apply and is easier to use on your children, convenience doesn’t always mean that it is better. On average, people tend to get less sunscreen out of a spray because they only spray for a couple of seconds. Overall, sunscreen lotion or cream is the best way to go as they are more evenly distributed.
Also, the majority of spray-on-sunscreens contain chemicals that are not healthy to breathe in and can damage our ocean reefs.
Question: Do you have any different recommendations when it comes to keeping children’s skin safe in the sun?
Answer: Yes! Always use a chemical-free SPF on your children. Physical sunblock’s containing titanium dioxide or pure zinc oxide are safe for all ages and the most sensitive skin types. One of the best ways to keep them safe is by having them wear protective clothing or one-piece swimsuits. When my son was little, it was always a battle getting him to wear sunblock so I always put him in a full one-piece swimsuit that covered him head to toe and contained SPF and partnered that with a larger brimmed hat and it was a lifesaver as then I only had to apply his sunblock to what areas were exposed!
Put these sun & skin safety tips into action!
I hope you found this information helpful, I know I did! I am very appreciative that Heather took the time to help us in this way!
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